LA Fitness is facing a federal lawsuit for alleged discrimination against people with disabilities at its gyms and fitness clubs, the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday. The company, owned by California-based Fitness International LLC, is accused of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide equal access to its services and facilities. NBC San Diego reports. 

 

Federal authorities also allege that LA Fitness violated the ADA by charging extra fees to people with disabilities while failing to remove architectural barriers. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada mentioned that some individuals were unable to access the pool, jacuzzi, and shower facilities, with one person unable to even enter the premises.

 

The lawsuit aims to stop LA Fitness, which operates more than 700 gyms nationwide, from discriminating against people with disabilities and requires the company to make necessary adjustments to its facilities and equipment to ensure accessibility. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated that the lawsuit seeks to rectify LA Fitness's discriminatory actions and ensure that customers with disabilities have equal access to its gyms.

 

The complaint outlines the experiences of four members, identified as Patrons A through D. One of them, Patron B, who has cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic, reported having to crawl out of the pool using the stairs, causing him pain and abrasions.

 

The Justice Department is also seeking "monetary damages" for those harmed by LA Fitness’s discrimination, including individuals who were charged extra fees to have a friend, nurse, or personal assistant help them use the facilities. Authorities urged anyone who experienced discrimination due to broken pool lifts or elevators to file a claim.

 

You may also be interested in its Spanish version: LA Fitness enfrenta una demanda por discriminación contra personas con discapacidades

 

LA Fitness responded to the lawsuit in a statement, saying, "Ensuring that all members and guests feel welcome at our clubs is of paramount importance," and that the company takes its obligation to comply with the ADA seriously.